Grants

Eligibility for grant aid is based on financial need as determined through information provided on the FAFSA. Grant awards are given to qualifying students and, except under extremely limited conditions, do not need to be repaid.

The two largest grant programs are:

• Federal Pell Grant — Available almost exclusively to undergraduates and all eligible students will receive the Federal Pell Grant amount they qualify based on financial need. Estimated annual awards range from $602 to $5,550 (2012-13) and these grants are prorated based on the number of enrolled credit hours. Due to the current federal budget discussions, Pell grant awards are estimated at this time. Once the federal budget is approved, we will post the current award amounts.
• Ohio College Opportunity Grant — This is a grant that is offered to students who are Ohio residents. These grants are also prorated based on full or part-time enrollment status.
  • The status of this program for the 2011-2012 academic year is currently being re-evaluated as part of the upcoming state budget debate. As with every biennium, the legislature determines which programs continue and at what level. With the state facing difficult times in relation to enacting a balanced budget, each program will be scrutinized and tough decisions will need to be made. Depending upon the results of the final budget resolution, this program may be able to continue offering grant assistance, or funding for the program may be eliminated altogether in a worst-case scenario.
  • The University of Akron decided not to award this grant in initial financial aid packages since the future of the program is not certain at this time. We will update students via revised financial aid awards if/when necessary. Students can check Zipline for their most up-to-date financial aid award package. The final budget resolution is not expected before June 30, 2011.
  • Updates regarding the status of this program will be posted on the Ohio Board of Regents website.

Other federal grant programs include:

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — These grants are only awarded to students who meet the strict need guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education, and submit the FAFSA by March 1. You must be Pell eligible to receive this grant.
• The TEACH Grant — A new federal grant program for students planning to be teachers in a high need field within a low-income school. The University of Akron has set additional specifications for its TEACH Grant recipients. Learn more.

Grants and scholarships are automatically accepted. If you want to decline grants or scholarships, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 800.621.3847 or 330.972.7032.